L5740 (interim tier 4) or L6060 (tier 4)

[Keadog]

Sorry if this is a repeat, but I searched and couldn't find anything addressing this question specifically. I have been considering a new Kubota to replace my well loved, faithful 2001 L4300 and have decided to go for one of these models with a cab.
My main concern is if there will be any problems with the interim tier 4 engines down the road. I'm not terribly worried about resale, as I plan to keep whatever I get indefinitely. I'm also not concerned about fuel economy as I plan to run maybe 100 hours per year max. My main concern is reliability and avoiding excessive maintenance costs/down time.
I realize the 60 will cost more up front and that's not a huge issue either - I am just interested in addressing the differences in the two engines, pro and con for each. I find the L5740 cab to be large enough, though the extra space in the 60 would be nice too.
Thanks for any help here.

 

[nybirdman]

I don't think any-one can really answer that question.If you can find a Grand L 4240-5740,they are getting hard to come by.The tier 4 engines haven't been around long enough.I have a L4240 HSTC and haven't found anything that it can't do.Eight ft.front snow plow,seven ft. back blade,two bottom plow ,six ft. box blade,roto-tiller and thumb on the bucket.......I use mine year round.It just turned 700 hrs,and burns 1.25gal/hr at pto speeds.

 

[MHarryE]

I have a L5740 and was surprised at what a fuel hog is at high load. The new engine which is direct injected comes in significantly better on the engine data but I don't know real time. I also have a M135GX with DPF. I only have 190 hours on it and enjoy the absence of smoke - the L5740 is quite a smoker at start up and under acceleration. The M135GX is clean at all times. But long term - Kubota says clean the DPF at 3,000 hours. And regen - with the big tractor I can always manage to hit a regen when I am working it so there is nothing to tell me except the regen light coming on and the percent DPF plug flashing 100% until the regen is over. My L5740 gets used for a lot of short jobs and I hate to think of a parked regen where it is just wasting time and fuel to burn the soot. Actually I was planning to trade my 2 year old L5740 for a L6060 this year but instead my wife didn't fight getting the M135GX so she can use the L5740 more often.

 

[TripleR]

Too early to really tell as mentioned, but I bought a new L5740 last year to avoid the L6060 and after looking at them, I am glad I did; don't like tank or loader valve location, cruise control or price.

I do like the air ride seat option, larger cab, elimination of the clutch.

I bought a Grammar air ride seat for my 5740 as I don't much care for the OEM seat.

One person will prefer the 5740 another the 6060.

 

[kiotiken]

I like the new engines, in theory anyway, but for me, it's too early. I'll let the first generation of tier 4 engines go by and let them iron out any bugs. Hopefully by the time they do, Kioti will have, errr "borrowed" the concept of HST+.

 

[k0ua]

I like the new engines, in theory anyway, but for me, it's too early. I'll let the first generation of tier 4 engines go by and let them iron out any bugs. Hopefully by the time they do, Kioti will have, errr "borrowed" the concept of HST+.

Ken from what I can see on the Australian Kioti website, they have adopted some of the features of HST+ already on some of this years models.

 

[BGigHarbor]

I couldn't find an l40 so I ended up buying an l5460 (not a cab). For my uses, traction is the limiting factor so more power might not have helped me much.

I am not crazy about where the front and 3rd function hoses are routed, but sure love the lack of exhaust smell. That's amazing and for me welcome.

I am really enjoying the tractor (only 80 hrs on it so far) but have noticed my dpf regens are happening more often each cycle. halfway to fifth regen.....Others have reported regen intervals of 50 and 30 hrs, but the longest my has gone is 22 hrs and last one was like 14 hrs. I have been using the tractor roughly the same the whole time.

Not enough data yet on how the l60 dpf will hold up, but in terms of operating the tractor it's a joy and the HST is awesome. And fuel usage is better than I expected. If you look at the overall expense, the fuel is a small portion anyway.

To be honest I would much rather waited a year to see how the dust settles on the L60s, but I bought a new property that needs a ton of work now. Was and am still concerned about dpf issues down the road but will just have to deal with any.

edit: To clarify, the reason I am watching the frequency of my pdf regens is me being paranoid about potential dpf issues like certain trucks have had in past years. The regen doesn't really impact my operation and I wouldn't know it was happening most of the time if it weren't for the display and a slight hot smell late in the cycle. I like to run the tractor a little harder than usual during the regen, but mostly I could just ignore it if I wanted. Plus I am curious because regens put diesel into the oil itself - how much is debated but even my Kubota manual says it's normal

 

[kiotiken]

Ken from what I can see on the Australian Kioti website, they have adopted some of the features of HST+ already on some of this years models.

Not to take the thread way off topic but I've seen that video. Seems to me it's simply a throttle control linked to the pedals. I've already started designing something similar for my DK45. Set the minimum RPM with the hand throttle and once the forward pedal is pushed in far enough, it starts activating the throttle via a linkage. Once the pedal comes back, the throttle is free to return to the pre-set minimum position. It actually seems pretty simple to do, but it'll be at least spring before I have time to try. HST+ is one feature I'd really like to have but a throttle linked to the HST forward pedal would be a nice addition to.

 

[bigbull338]

if i was going to buy a 60 kubota id skipp the 6060 an go for the 7060 as it has the heavier and bigger frame.like meny have said i traded quick to avid getting into the unknowns with the 7060.an i was lucky enough to find a few 7040s still on dealers lots.

 

[TripleR]

if i was going to buy a 60 kubota id skipp the 6060 an go for the 7060 as it has the heavier and bigger frame.like meny have said i traded quick to avid getting into the unknowns with the 7060.an i was lucky enough to find a few 7040s still on dealers lots.

Always a tough decision for many of us. We are lucky enough to need a GL and an M, if we could only have one, it would have to be the M, but I sure would hate to get by without the 5740. There are just places our M won't fit and times the 5740 just isn't enough tractor.

Like many, I am what most would consider a hobbyist and don't depend on our equipment for income, so my approach may well not work for real farmers and ranchers. It would be cheaper for me to hire my work out, but it's just not in my nature.